Spitbank Fort Sunday Lunch In the Middle Of The Sea

 

On long summer days, I could easily spend the day out on the seafront watching sailboats play catch with the wind, ferries transporting islanders to Calais in France or watch cruise liners pass through with passengers hoping for a short break from cabin fever. The beauty that comes with living so close to the seaside and a break from the concrete jungle of London life is what inspired the move to Portsmouth. On this weekend, we were heading out for a Spitbank Fort day trip.

My visit back to Portsmouth this time was for a Spitbank Fort Sunday lunch date which is not far from Portsmouth. Not many people know about this place. On the coastline of Portsea Island lies the secrets of The Solent. I got to spend the day exploring one of the secrets. Spitbank Fort is one of four forts that was originally constructed to defend the British from Napoleon’s army in the 18th century.

 

 

Days of fighting have long gone and these abandoned forts have now been renovated, with one turned into a museum, one is solely owned, with the other two turned into luxury hotels. One of which is the Spitbank Fort and the other twice as big, opening its doors this Autumn. This beautiful man-made island caters to many events as well from Spitbank Fort afternoon teas, lunch to having a Spitbank Fort wedding or weekend stay. For Spitbank Fort room rates, rooms and hotels in near Spitbank Fort click here.

For those wondering just how Spitbank Fort is from Portsmouth. One can only get to the forts by Spitbank Fort boat, so transportation was from the Royal Clarence Marina on Gosport. Floating passed the beautiful Spinnaker tower and sailors no doubt testing out their boats in readiness for Cowes week this coming summer. With a tricky entry onto the fort due to rough seas, on arrival, we were met with glasses of wine and canapes.

 

 

Then a tour of the fort with a little historical detail of the living conditions of the soldiers that guarded the seas within the fort. You cannot help but admire the old generation for building such a fantastic structure in the sea, with the little the technology they had compared to what we can achieve today, and it still stands today. There is so much history within the walls.

 

Touring Spitbank Fort and watching ferries and speedboats sail passed we had worked up an appetite, so it was time to retreat to the dining room for Spitbank Fort lunch served with a side of Spit water! An interesting name for sure, but I assure you it’s not literal. There is a spring running 401 feet beneath the fort so you can quench your thirst with Spitbank (shortened to Spit) water, freshly bottled on site too. With conversations effortlessly flowing with other guests at the table and dessert beautifully caressing each and every taste bud, you could be forgiven for your mind drifting off into a dreamy state filled with all things sweet and nice.